How to Naturally Reduce Fibroids and Cysts

Fibroids:

Effects of Fibroids on Fertility:

Submucosal fibroids, which grow from the muscle wall into the uterine cavity, could affect the uterus and prevent implantation. Some fibroids can cause an obstruction to the fallopian tubes, preventing fertilisation or preventing a fertilised embryo travelling to the uterus. Large fibroids may affect blood flow to the endometrium which can cause issues with implantation. However, not all fibroids affect fertility; it depends on their size, number and placement in the body.

Fertility Issues:

·       Implantation

·       Endometrial blood supply

·       Fallopian Tube Obstruction

·       Sperm Transport

Fibroids in Chinese Medicine:

Acupuncture is based on an ancient system of traditional Chinese Medicine. A fertility acupuncturist will diagnose based on signs and symptoms. The Chinese Medicine diagnosis of fibroids is Blood Stasis. This means that the blood isn’t flowing freely and can cause blockages.

Natural Treatment for Fibroids:

·       Acupuncture especially electro acupuncture which moves the blood in the uterus.

·       Chinese herbs which move the blood.

·       Weekly acupuncture sessions would be recommended

·       Reduce stress. Stress triggers an increase in cortisol which increases oestrogen. Oestrogen stimulates fibroid growth. Chronic stress causes fibroids to grow at an increased rate, according to multiple studies.

·       Look after your gut health. Take probiotics, ginger and turmeric which help to reduce inflammation. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it causes inflammation which contributes to fibroid growth.

·       Meditation – Creation Acupuncture’s specific meditations for the uterus help to clear stuck emotions which can contribute to Blood Stasis. Meditation also promotes calm and reduces anxiety and stress.

·       Exercise – for a diagnosis of Blood Stasis, it is important to frequently move the body and thus move the blood. An effective way is exercise, especially cardio exercise. However, don’t exercise during your period as this causes retrograde bleeding.

·       Avoid tampons, menstrual cups and sex during your period – these all cause retrograde bleeding which can lead to further blood stasis.  

·       Avoid oestrogen – supplements such as maca root, red clover and royal jelly increase oestrogen which can contribute to fibroid growth. They also should be avoided if your oestrogen blood test (E2) is high and/or if you suffer from endometriosis and PCOS. This is because all of these conditions are usually oestrogen dominant. Other foods containing oestrogen are soya products, flaxseed, cruciferous vegetables, peaches, almonds, walnuts and dried fruits.

·       Include foods that move the blood – pineapple, chestnut, spring onion, chilli, onion, crab, hawthorn berry, mustard leaf, vinegar and raspberry leaf tea. Raspberry leaf tea is very effective at moving the blood. Drink 1-3 cups per day to reduce fibroids but stop in pregnancy. 

Cysts:

Effects of Cysts on Fertility:

An ovarian cysts is a fluid filled sac that develops on an ovary. They can be quite common. Functional cysts usually appear during a menstrual cycle and can disappear on their own. They can also grow as a result of increased oestrogen during the stimulation phase of IVF as a side effect of medication. If a cyst appears during IVF scans, it can affect whether the cycle progresses. If simple cysts are present before treatment, they do not require drainage providing they are not producing oestrogen and preventing endometrial shedding.

Fertility Issues:

• If there are multiple ovarian cysts or follicles that do not contain eggs, this indicates PCOS

• An ovarian cyst may cause an IVF cycle to be abandoned

• Endometriomas may indicate endometriosis

• OHSS (overstimulation) is possible with women with PCOS or high hormone levels during IVF stimulation.

Cysts in Chinese Medicine:

The Chinese Medicine diagnosis of cysts is Spleen Deficiency causing Damp. This means that the Spleen energy is weak and therefore isn't flowing the fluids effectively around the body and in the fertility organs. This causes an accumulation of Damp which can lead to functional cysts, blockages of the fallopian tubes hormonal imbalances and PCOS.

Cysts associated with endometriosis, or endometriomas are categorised as Blood Stasis in Chinese Medicine.

Polyps can be either Blood Stasis or Damp.

Therefore with any of these conditions, including functional cysts from stimulation medication, PCOS, polyps or endometriomas, it is important to work on the following treatment principles as a fertility acupuncturist:

• Clear Damp

• Support the Spleen

• Move the Blood

Natural Treatment for Cysts:

·       Acupuncture clears damp in the fertility organs.

·       Chinese herbs - there is a specific herbal formula to remove ovarian cysts. This can be effective in 2 weeks, when combined with the oral contraceptive pill during down regulation of an IVF cycle.

·       Reduce stress. Stress triggers an increase in cortisol which increases oestrogen. PCOS is usually an oestrogen dominant condition.

·    Look after your Spleen health. This is important as the spleen energy flows the fluids around the body. When it is weak, it causes an accumulation of Damp, which contributes to cyst formation. In order to care for the health of your spleen, eat warm foods, eat in a calm environment, avoid snacking, have regular intervals between meals and take probiotics.

·       Meditation – Creation Acupuncture’s specific meditations for the solar plexus (spleen) help to reduce anxiety and clear emotional blockages causing Damp.

·       Avoid oestrogen – cysts are associated with oestrogen production. If you have PCOS or you are undergoing stimulation for IVF avoid the oestrogen producing foods and supplements detailed above.

·       Include foods that clear damp– kidney beans, barley, corn, radishes, green tea, jasmine tea, onions, turnips, celery, button mushrooms, horse radish.

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